Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/dc-mayor-vetoes-living-wage-bill Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter DC Mayor vetoes "living wage" bill Nation Sep 12, 2013 12:40 PM EST In a letter published Thursday morning, Mayor Vincent Gray vetoed a controversial minimum wage bill. Mayor Gray wrote, " If I were to sign this bill into law, it would do nothing but hinder our ability to create jobs, drive away retailers, and set us back on the path to prosperity for all." The bill would require big retailers to pay a 50 percent premium on the minimum wage of $8.25 per hour. The City Council approved the bill two months ago. However, major retailers Wal-Mart Stores Inc. have been vocal about their opposition. One day before the City Council voted on the bill in July, Wal-Mart Stores Inc, said it would withdraw at least three of their planned stores in the capital if the bill passed. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
In a letter published Thursday morning, Mayor Vincent Gray vetoed a controversial minimum wage bill. Mayor Gray wrote, " If I were to sign this bill into law, it would do nothing but hinder our ability to create jobs, drive away retailers, and set us back on the path to prosperity for all." The bill would require big retailers to pay a 50 percent premium on the minimum wage of $8.25 per hour. The City Council approved the bill two months ago. However, major retailers Wal-Mart Stores Inc. have been vocal about their opposition. One day before the City Council voted on the bill in July, Wal-Mart Stores Inc, said it would withdraw at least three of their planned stores in the capital if the bill passed. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now